The use of a 2N5459 or other general purpose RF type FET in the circuit in Figure 34 will be found to give very good results. This circuit provides very little loading for the intermediate frequency transformer. Current drain is very small typically under ½mA - and a 6v to 12v supply is satisfactory. It should be well smoothed, though C2 and R2 will be helpful in avoiding ripple here.
When this type of detector is fitted in an existing receiver, VR1 will be present, and it is not essential that the value is as in Figure 34. In some home built or other receivers, this may be found to be an easy way of boosting performance. The final IFT will usually need slight realignment. In general, there is some latitude in all the component values.
